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The UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF) is proud to announce the Semiconductor Talent Award is supporting over 300 bright and motivated undergraduates embarking on an Electronics degree at over 30 UK universities in 2025/26.
Award-holders will receive a comprehensive support package throughout their first year of university, including a £4,000 bursary, tailored mentoring, access to industry insights and opportunities for professional development.
The Semiconductor Talent Award is part of the Semiconductor: Skills, Talent and Education Programme (STEP), a Government funded initiative to equip more young people with the skills to thrive in the UK’s Semiconductor industry. The Award aims to encourage students to focus on semiconductors from the outset of their studies.
Successful Induction Events across the UK
In September 2025, Award-holders attended one of five ‘buzzing’ Induction Events, held in Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Glasgow, and online. These events were designed to inspire the next generation of Electronics Engineers by sharing valuable insights into the semiconductor landscape and highlighting rewarding careers.
During the events:
- Speakers from industry, academia, and government shared their insights. Speakers included representatives from Arm, the Department Science, Innovation and Technology, Cadence, CSA Catapult and Siemens.
- Thirty companies exhibited, providing students with firsthand exposure to career opportunities in semiconductors.
- Participants had opportunity to meet others embarking on a career in the semiconductor industry and begin to build a supportive network.
Award recipients praised the Induction Events for their energy, insight, and the chance to engage directly with industry leaders:
“The event motivated me to think about how I can progress further and thrive in my journey into electronics.” – Award-holder studying at the University of Leeds
“It was a great opportunity to meet fellow award holders and connect with the companies available.” – Award-holder studying at Kings College London
“It was amazing to meet with prominent companies in the industry.” – Award-holder studying at the University of York
Securing a talent pipeline for the UK’s Semiconductor future
The Semiconductor Talent Award is part of an overall pathway from schools’ engagement through to careers in the semiconductor industry.
Following the completion of their first year of university, Award-holders can apply for a UKESF Scholarship, which offers opportunities for paid work experience, ongoing bursaries, and industry networking. For 15 years, this Award-winning scheme has supported more than 900 undergraduates to gain meaningful work experience with over 100 electronics and technology employers.
By supporting these undergraduates, the UKESF is helping to strengthen the UK’s Electronics and semiconductor talent pipeline, ensuring innovation, growth, and global competitiveness.
Find out more about the Semiconductor Talent Award, download the full report here.
As part of the Industrial Strategy: Digital and Technologies Sector Plan, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has announced that there will be further support in the next 3 years. This is through a £35 million UK-wide skills programme and will include semiconductor bursaries to boost enrolment in priority degree courses and semiconductor-focused STEM outreach activities.
